August 2009
Cliff Zammit Stevens presented his first recital L’Ultima Canzone…? at the St James Cavalier’s music room on August 28 and 30.
Cliff was accompanied by soprano Francesca Aquilina and pianist Gisele Grima. Together they presented famous songs and arias such as ‘Una Furtiva Lagrima’ from L’Eisir d’Amore, Schubert’s ‘Die Forelle’, ‘Nell’ by Faure and others.
Cliff is now in his second year reading a Bmus (hons) degree in vocal studies at the coveted Royal College of Music, London. His first year was “truly a wonderful experience, from my normal weekly vocal lessons to theory and practical musicianship to Yoga and movement! Quite a lot of work, but all so professionally delivered and well-informed” he said.
Cliff states that he has improved in all fields of study at College “primarily my voice, which is my instrument and such a special part of me.” His vocal tutors this year included Steven Varcoe and Janis Kelly - 2 opera singers. Something which really touched Cliff was that these professionals are always so eager and ready to help; they have a genuine interest in their students.
‘Dreaming is succeeding’ is the motto Cliff believes in and tries to follow each day. Each lesson, each master class, each concert is equally important to him. Cliff knows that being an opera singer is not an easy ‘mission’ and involves a lot of hard work and persistence, and the constant belief in oneself surely makes the path a more viable one.
The concert was sponsored by Megabyte, HSBC, PriceWaterHouseCoopers, Coca-Cola, PlayMobil and Masquerade Theatre Arts School.